How can health and social care practitioners support the mental health of mothers during and after pregnancy? Explore Research in Practice resources to support Maternal Mental Health Week.
Pregnancy is marked by significant hormonal, physical, emotional, and social shift. These factors can increase vulnerability to mental health difficulties. Health and social care practitioners play an important role in supporting the mental and wellbeing of mothers and their children.
We recently heard from researchers, practitioners and mothers with experience of pre-birth assessment about how involvement with children’s social care during pregnancy can further traumatise and exacerbate existing mental health challenges. Working collaboratively with parents can reduce the likelihood of care proceedings and minimise trauma. Explore new videos that share examples of good practice from the recent Research in Practice Partnership Conference on pre and post-birth work.
Building on the Research in Practice Pre-birth Change Project, the conference brought together academics, practitioners, and leaders to explore innovative approaches to policy and practice. Research in Practice members can access these resources designed to support practitioners in health and social care, and midwifery.
A new blog using Case Law and Legal Summaries also outlines a judgement on kinship care. It explores how effective pre-birth support and the use of genograms can support trauma-informed, family-centred practice.
Supporting maternal mental health in pre-birth work
By supporting mental health needs early and compassionately, practitioners can help improve outcomes for both parents and their babies.
Explore why a trauma-informed approach is essential in pre-birth work by recognising the impact of past experiences, building trusting relationships, and working collaboratively with parents to reduce the risk of retraumatisation.
Enhance pre-birth services and improve outcomes for infants and parents
Research revealed a concerning rise in newborns entering care proceedings, with cases in England increasing. The Pre-birth Change Project brought together academics, practitioners and leaders in children’s social care to discuss local practices, procedures and protocols in relation to pre-birth work.
These resources are designed to support child and family social care, and safeguarding leads and commissioners in health and midwifery services who oversee or lead pre-birth work and assessment.
Using Case Law and Legal Summaries to support practice with children and families
Explore how Research in Practice Case Law and Legal Summaries can be used for practitioner development.
This judgement highlights the importance of early identification and assessment of family members to reduce delay in the family court.
Using Case Law and Legal Summaries to support practice with children and families
Case Law and Legal Summaries provide an overview of selected case, highlighting implications for social care practice. Hannah Scott outlines a judgement on kinship care, exploring how effective pre-birth support and the use of genograms can support family-centred practice and improve outcomes for children and their families.
Supporting maternal mental health in pre-birth work
Many women involved in pre-birth work have significant mental health needs, often linked to past trauma. These videos highlight the importance of trauma-informed practice in pre-birth work.
Pre-birth: Change Project
Interactive resources designed to enhance pre-birth services and improve outcomes for infants and parents by driving policy and practice development. These tools are valuable for senior managers, strategic leads, commissioners, and professionals in social care, health, and midwifery services.